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Educator’s Guide
KEY TERMS:
Students should identify the following
terms. Visit www.merriam-webster for
definitions.
Casualties
Debacle
Decisive
Enforcements
Evolution
Garrison
Habeas corpus
Inevitable
Remnant
Succumb
Curriculum Links:
Antietam would be useful for
American History, American Culture,
Social Studies, and Geography
courses. It would be an excellent
supplement to Civil War course units
and lesson plans. It is appropriate
for middle school and high school
students. Due to some sensitive
content, we recommend that teachers
view this program in its entirety
before showing it to students.
On September 17, 1862, at Antietam Creek, Maryland, nearly 23,000
Union and Confederate soldiers (nine times the number who fell on
the beaches of Normandy) were killed or wounded. This cataclysmic
battle was the bloodiest day of fighting in American history, with a
stunning number of casualties left in its wake. Antietam also proved
to be a critical and surprising turning point in the Civil War.
10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America: Antietam is a
one-hour documentary which dramatically explores the events,
meaning, and significance of this watershed battle. Through
innovative photographic re-creations and powerful narratives by
Civil War historians, this program vividly portrays the political and
social backdrop behind this pivotal battle. This documentary is a
compelling opportunity for students to reconsider the Civil War’s
causes, consequences, and profound legacies.
Comprehension Questions:
1. D
o you think the Union and Confederate generals knew how important the Battle of Antietam
would be in the course of the Civil War? Why or why not?
2. A
ccording to this documentary, what were Abraham Lincoln’s thoughts on the Civil War? What
does his famous quote “a house divided cannot stand” mean?
3. W
hat did Lincoln consider in his decision to draft the Emancipation Proclamation and who was
involved in the decision?
4. T
he Emancipation Proclamation declared that unless Confederates put down their arms and
come back to the Union, then starting January 1, 1863, all slaves in the south would be freed.
Lincoln used his power as Commander-in-Chief to confiscate the property of southerners – the
slaves. Was this an acceptable use of power in your opinion? Why or why not?
5. In the summer of 1862, Lincoln’s Cabinet did not want him to
sign the Emancipation Proclamation while the Union was losing because it looked like a desperate move. They told him to
wait until they had a victory. Do you agree with the Cabinet’s
opinion? Why or why not?
6. A
lthough Antietam was not a clear victory for the Union, Lincoln’s advisors told him it was sufficient enough to issue the
Emancipation Proclamation. If Antietam had not occurred, do
you think the Emancipation Proclamation would have been
signed? Why or why not?
7. H
ow did the Emancipation Proclamation affect society
in the short-term and the long-term?
8. In 1862, some European leaders considered supporting the Confederates. How did the Battle of
Antietam change this?
9. W
hat effect do you feel Antietam had on the public’s morale and attitude about the war?
10. What images or ideas in this documentary did you find most compelling? Most surprising?
10 DAYS THAT UNEXPECTEDLY CHANGED AMERICA
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Extended Activities:
1. In small groups, review the history of the Civil War using your textbooks, online, or at the library.
Then, create a timeline of the top ten most important events and turning points in Civil War history.
You will have to decide which events to include through group consensus. These presentations can
be in PowerPoint format, a word document, or on a poster. Share your findings and choices with the
larger class or group.
2. R
obert E. Lee’s “Special Order 191” was discovered by General George McClellan before the Battle
of Antietam, revealing details of the Confederate battle plan. Online or at the library, locate Lee’s
order and research Lee’s plans. Then, imagine you were General McClellan. Compose your own
battle plan for your troops based on your analysis of Lee’s plan.
3. T
his documentary uses a filmmaking style that mirrors that of a groundbreaking Civil War
photographer named Mathew Brady. Online or at the library, research Brady’s photography. Create
a presentation, either in essay or PowerPoint form using images, discussing or depicting Brady’s
photos and his significance in American history.
10 DAYS THAT UNEXPECTEDLY CHANGED AMERICA
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Primary Source Exploration:
Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on
January 1, 1863, declaring all slaves to be free. Lincoln hoped
to mobilize the Union toward victory through this bold action.
After reading this excerpt, ask students to consider the questions below.
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Books & Websites:
Books
Hakim, Joy. A History of US: Book 6: War,
Terrible War 1855-1865. (Oxford University
Press, 1993).
Large, George R. and Joe A. Swisher, et
al. Battle of Antietam: The Official History
by the Antietam Battlefield Board. (White
Mane, 1998).
McPherson, James M. Crossroads of
Freedom: Antietam. (Oxford University
Press, 2002).
McPherson, James M. Fields of Fury: The
American Civil War. (Atheneum, 2002).
Web Sites
History.com Civil War 150 site:
www.history.com/topics/american-civilwar/interactives/civil-war-150
The official site of the National Parks
Service: www.nps.gov/anti
Civil War photographs from the Library of
Congress: memory.loc.gov/ammem/
cwphtml/cwphome.html
A useful outline with maps and a narrative
of the battle: www.eyewitnesstohistory.
com/antiet.htm
10 DAYS THAT UNEXPECTEDLY CHANGED AMERICA: Antietam
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